Blocked: How Signal Jammers Affect Military Operations

April 12, 2017 1:00 am

Military operations run smoothly with the right plan and innovative equipment on the field, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) plays a crucial role in this equation. Its purpose is to provide precise positioning in locating enemy territories and deploying units. Unfortunately, signal jamming can interfere with its function.

The Demand for GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems

The global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market continues to grow. The growth is due to a steady increase in the demand for secured GNSS enabled military operations. Some of the factors that drive this demand include the adaptation of unmanned aerial vehicles, the increasing defense investment, and the miniaturization of these anti-jamming devices.

Military GPS Vulnerabilities

Since relying on the North Star as a navigational tool, one of the most important apparatuses to date has been the Global Positioning System (GPS). Capable of providing all the necessary information, such as time and location, in all weather conditions, the country’s Defense Department developed it in the 1970s and achieved its full operational capability in 1995.

The military since then has heavily relied on the technology for target tracking, missile and artillery guidance, and navigation.

The technology, though, is still susceptible to attacks.

The GPS devices, in the military setting or in any industry that uses this type of GNSS, must be capable of overcoming spoofing and jamming, which are both prevalent. Jamming refers to the intentional or unintentional signal interference while spoofing pertains to hacking into the GPS system, simulating it accurately and steering it off course.

In the military, there’s no room for issues like signal jamming because even if one level of protection falters, it takes the system down. This can take a toll on operations.

Many industries rely on GNSS, especially GPS. Recognition of existing threats to the technology’s function and having the right equipment to resolve such threats can ensure smooth operations for the military.